NTS data collection

For the 2013 National Training Survey, we require each deanery to provide us with a list of their trainees. Once we have this data, we will create a new survey for each doctor in training, which they can access and complete via GMC Online.

Each deanery must submit their doctor records to the GMC by 15 March 2013.

Data requirements

For each doctor who is to complete the survey, we require a range of demographic information relating to their training. For a detailed list of the data variables that we need, including definitions and examples, see our data variables help page.

Deaneries must provide all mandatory data for each doctor.

Validating the data

 

Each deanery will carry out all of the validation on their data before they submit it to the GMC. We have sent each deanery a data validation tool, a spreadsheet that contains empty fields for each of the data variables we require. Once the deanery has populated this spreadsheet with their doctor data, the Tool will check that the data provided is valid. Any errors in the data will be flagged for you to correct, so there will be no need to send data to us until all of the errors have been fixed.

Download our user guide for the data validation tool (pdf)

Download our additional information about the 2013 data collection process (pdf)

Transferring the data

Once you have validated all of your doctor data, please return the file to us via your deanery’s ‘2013 NTS Data Returns’ document folder in GMC Connect. We will then load each doctor’s record into the survey system, and send them an email to let them know their survey is active, and where to access it.

This year doctors will log in to GMC Online to complete the survey so they do not need to wait for an invitation. They can simply log in on or after 26 March and their survey will be waiting for them.

Amending the data after 26 March

From 26 March, each deanery will be able to view their doctor records in the NTS Survey Management area in GMC Connect. This area will give each deanery the ability to add new doctor records into the survey, and amend the demographic information for those doctors who have already been loaded but have not yet started the survey. Alternatively, if a deanery wants to add a large number of records after 26 March, we will accept the new data in a copy of the Data Validation tool spreadsheet, as long as it is valid.